Swara SegalHaving achieved great things in your personal and professional life, you may now be looking at crossing many more milestones to realize your full potential. As you cross your mid-life marker, it is critical to stay updated with the current fashion trends, enabling you to confidently chase your future aspirations.
Dressing stylishly has a bigger role to play than merely showing off your personal style. In her book, Mind What You Wear: The Psychology of Fashion, Prof. Karen Pine from the University of Hertfordshire shares that clothes have mind-altering properties that can boost your confidence, bolster your self-esteem, and lift your mood.
Staying updated with the current fashion trends never goes out of style. One of the biggest misconceptions about entering the 50’s is that one should no longer care about looking or feeling attractive. Dispel such myths by using the below-mentioned handy tips that will enhance your overall appearance, making you look as young as you feel.
Develop Your Personal Style
The way you dress says a lot about your personality and preferences. It is ok to look around for some inspiration, but avoid sporting a look merely because it’s in vogue. Choose clothes and accessories that make you feel good and confident from within.
If you admire a screen idol, research on his/her dressing style and get fashion inspired. For instance, celebrity icons, namely Will Ferrell, Michelle Obama, Madonna, Nicole Kidman, Vin Diesel, Paul Giamatti, Lauren Graham, and many others have proven it to the world that fashion doesn’t stop with age.
Find a young fashion buddy, such as your daughter, son, niece, or nephew and ask him/her to accompany you when you go shopping. The young generation can give you practical tips on what may look go on you.
Develop a sense of style and train your eye to observe what celebrities and others around you choose to wear on various occasions. Get active on Pinterest for the latest fashion ideas. Depending on what’s trending and your comfort level, create a fashion inspiration list to help you upgrade your wardrobe.
Building up your own style may take some time and effort; however, the entire exercise will help you choose clothes that are not only in vogue but also go with your persona.
Plan Your Wardrobe Well
To begin with, go through your current wardrobe and evaluate whether your garments are still in style and fit you well. A few of them may have to be discarded, yet many of them may need some styling or altering.
Go through your fashion inspiration list and segregate what you need from what you want, minimizing the possibility of impulsive shopping. Every person who is in his/her 50’s requires a few statement pieces of garments and accessories. Women can consider including a classic blazer, tunic tops, cardigans, a chic black dress, and a pair of great-fitting solid-colored jeans.
Men, on the other hand, can invest in a few button down shirts for formal occasions, granddad-collared shirts, slim navy chinos, wool-flannel trousers, a denim jacket, selvedge denim jeans, t-shirts, and smart blazers.
Proper planning will help you discover what’s missing in your wardrobe and shop for the right fashion elements, enabling you to stay stylish on all occasions.
Focus on Personal Grooming
Regardless of the attire you select, it is crucial to look polished and well-groomed. Dresses or shirts that are wrinkled, stained, or ill-fitting can make you look unappealing and shabby.
Pay attention to personal grooming too! A decent haircut is a vital part of maturing gracefully, enhancing your overall look. If you have grey hair, you can choose to leave it that way. A salt-and-pepper hairstyle looks extremely trendy, exuding sophistication and natural charm.
Both men and women can opt for a no-fuss hairstyle that augments their personality. Also, remember to have a quick hairstyle for times when you are running late for an appointment. Men can experiment with trendy beard styles to add contrast and dimension to their faces. Man buns and pompadours are in vogue and look great if properly maintained. Consider purchasing good beard oil and other hair products that work with your hair texture, making you look dapper at all times.
Invest in Stylish Accessories
When creating your personal style, accessories are just as important as the garments you wear. Invest in subtle yet stylish accessories that make a style statement. Wearing anything garish can make you look as if you were seeking attention or trying hard to look younger than your age.
Men should consider investing in a few ties, belts, and scarves that can be paired with formal and smart casual attire. Apart from this, a simple leather strap watch can never look out of place and goes along with a range of looks. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bracelets, but make sure you choose one that suits your style and personality.
For women, scarves and stoles can stir up the style game by livening up a dull outfit. For instance, if you are wearing a plain black shirt, you can make it vibrant by pairing it with a red silk or georgette scarf.
Regardless of the age, jewelry is an inseparable part of a woman’s attire, making her look elegant and attractive. Invest in a few classic and versatile pieces of neckwear, bracelets, earrings, and rings that not only match the outfit but also complement your personality.
Go for Chic Yet Comfortable Footwear
As you cross the 50-year mark, the comfort of footwear starts taking precedence; however, that definitely doesn’t mean you have to compromise on fashion.
Women can invest in stylish shoes that support their feet adequately when moving around. Also consider adding a few pairs of brogues and slipper-like footwear that are comfortable, last longer, and look chic. Kitten heel pumps and slingbacks look smart when paired with midi-skirts and formal dresses.
Suede Chelsa boots are perfect for men wanting to dress for a casual occasion. They do well with jeans and work with a multitude of colors, making the wearer look dapper. A pair of black lace-ups is a must for every man who loves wearing a tuxedo or a suit for a formal evening. Besides these, a pair of brown or burgundy penny loafers can offer multiple expressions and complement a wide range of outfits.
For both men and women in their 50’s, a good pair of walking shoes is a timeless asset, enabling them to get out and explore the world around.
Hitting the 50-year-old mark gives you a wonderful opportunity to re-evaluate and revamp your wardrobe, enabling you to dress smart and stay updated with the latest fashion trends. Use the above-mentioned tips to reveal your stylish personality while you are in your 50’s.